The family of late football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as ‘Pele’, has announced his funeral arrangements.
According to reports, the wake will be held on Monday, 2 January, and his body will be laid to rest on Tuesday, 3 January, 2023, at his Santos home.
“The wake for the greatest footballer of all time will be held in Urbano Caldeira Stadium, better known as the Vila Belmiro, where he enchanted the world,” Santos football club said in a Thursday statement, adding that Pele would then get a funeral procession through the city’s streets before a private burial ceremony.
The body of Pele, who died at the age of 82 on Thursday, will be taken from the Albert Einstein Hospital to Estádio Urbano Caldeira in Vila Belmiro Monday morning, and the coffin will be placed in the centre of the pitch. The wake is expected to begin at 10am.
Those who want to pay their last respect to the ‘King of Football’ will enter through two gates and separate to politicians and the authorities.
The ceremony, according to a Daily Mail UK report, will continue until 10am on Tuesday, January 3, when the parade will take place through the streets of Santos.
It will pass through Canal 6, where Pele’s 100-year-old mother, Celeste, lives, before heading to the Ecumenical Necropolis Memorial for the private burial reserved for family members.
The press will have access through gate 20 and prior registration will be required, by email, with the rules informed on the club’s official website, according to Daily Mail UK.
The Premier League have also announced they will pay tribute to late Brazilian striker Pele in the upcoming group of fixtures this week.
A statement from the league reads: “In tribute to Pele, Premier League clubs will remember his contribution to football during Matchweek 18 (Dec 30-Jan 1) by holding a minute’s applause prior to kick-offs. Players and match officials will wear black armbands.”
Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in on social media from around the globe, with many applauding Pelé’s legacy, while also commenting on his superior skill and impact on the world stage.
President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and tennis legend Billie Jean King also tweeted tributes to the soccer superstar.
The famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio was illuminated in green and yellow on Thursday night.
Pelé himself said he scored 1,283 goals in all matches played, official and unofficial.
Other sources have provided slightly different totals. He scored 77 international goals in official matches for Brazil — tied with Neymar — according to FIFA.
Neymar honored his countryman in an Instagram post, writing: “Pelé changed everything. He transformed football into art, entertainment. Football and Brazil elevated their standing thanks to the King! He is gone, but his magic will endure. Pelé is eternal!”
United States President, Joe Biden paid tribute to the three times World Cup winner. “For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible.
“Today, Jill and I’s thoughts are with his family and all those who loved him,” he wrote.
French footballer, Kylian Mbappe referred to Pele as the king of football.
“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP KING 💔👑…”
Former Unites States President, Barack Obama tweeted: “Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him.”
Tennis icon, Billie Jean King, also laud the late football legend on Twitter.
“Pelé, who won a record 3 World Cups, & was a true ambassador of the beautiful game has died.
“Much of sports is entertainment for fans & Pele’s athleticism & skill made him globally known.
“I had the honor of spending time w/him. He was joyful & had that something special.”
